Autism on the rise: is the modern world to blame?

There are an estimated 1.4 million children affected by autism in our country. The Philippine Advocacy Program for Autism pegs the incidence at 1 in 500.

In the U.S., the incidence of autism has increased. From 1960-1980, it was 0.5 in 1000. In the 90s, the incidence increased to 1 in 1000. Now, it is as high as 4 to 6 in 1000.

 
What is autism?

Autism is the general term to describe a wide spectrum of diseases manifesting as unusual social interactions, peculiar communications skills and repetitive, stereotyped behavior. It is a form of developmental delay that affects a person from childhood well into adulthood.

 
Many cases of autism are discovered during the first 3 years of life.

 
It is the third most common neurologic disorder after Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. It is more common in males, who are affected 4 times more than females.

 
Causes


The cause of autism is largely unknown. However, many hypotheses point to several etiologies.

 
Decades ago, researchers attributed the development of autism from "refrigerator mothers" or mothers who rejected their babies. Many current studies have disproved that theory.

 
Genetics still play a major role but more and more scientists believe that the environment is mostly to blame. Exposure to toxins, poisons and even household chemicals may also play a role in the development of this disorder.

Link to pesticide use

A group of scientists sought to prove the strong link between pesticide use and autism. Their data was published last July 24, 2012 in the Environmental Health Perspective Journal.

 
The study showed that children born to mothers who had been exposed to organochloride pesticides within 500 meters from their home during 26-81 days of pregnancy were 7.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism.

 
The crucial period of monitoring was 26-81 days or 3-11weeks gestation because this is the period of brain development.

 
Watch our for these organochlorine containing products in your home: Chlordane, DDT, Heptachlor, Lindane, Dieldrin, Pentachlorphenol, Endrin, Quintozene, and Aldrin.

 
Other ways you can be exposed

Even if you do not have these chemicals at home, there are other ways of exposing yourself and your family:


1. Pets are sometimes treated with organochlorine for fleas and other parasites from the grooming center or veterinary clinic.

2. Fruits and vegetables may have been sprayed with harmful pesticides.

3. Use of anti-mosquito sprays in public places like malls, office, etc.

4. Inhaling contaminated air in farms, fields and other agricultural areas.

 
With the introduction of all these chemicals to make life easier, it seems that our children and our children's children might have to bear the brunt of their effects far into the future.


Do you have a medical question for the Blogging Doc? Drop her a line at www.filipinamd.com.

Dr. Diana Sarmiento is a mother of three, part-time doctor, and a full-time wife and mother. The topics closest to her heart are women’s health, parenting, and any new information that she can get her hands on.